This Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Bike with pulse (250XL) vs Exerpeutic 500 XLS comparison puts two of Exerpeutics current favorite folding exercise bikes up against each other.
The both come with very good customer ratings overall.
As you’d expect they do have a number of similarities.
But there are differences and are they do answer the obvious question as to why is there a difference in price.
In the post we compare each of the bikes side by side and explain what each of the mean to give you a full picture to help you decide which one is the right choice for you.
But before getting into all the detail here is a quick overview of the two fold exercise bikes.
Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Bike (250XL)
This bike has been popular for a number of years and continues to be rated highly by customers. This can seem a little surprising (in a good way) because of the price.
It is a space saver with it being a compact bike that folds down when not required to fit in a closet.
It is very quiet so that you can watch TV without turning it up and if there are others in the room they may even forget you are on the bike.
It comes with a console to help you keep track of your progress including your heart rate when your hands grip the pulse sensors on the handlebars.
Customers like that they can fold it up and store it out of the way. That it is durable and doesn’t disturb others so they can get on with getting a good amount of exercise when they want.
Read the full review here
Exerpeutic 500 XLS Foldable Magnetic Upright Bike
This is Exerpeutic’s latest folding exercise bike that is bigger version of the previous model. It again is a compact bike that folds down for storage.
It can be adjusted to fit a range of different heights so it can be used by multiple users in a household to get their low impact cardio exercise.
The resistance goes from very easy to more difficult so you can set it at the level you want (it is best for beginners and those wanting gentle/moderate exercise).
The console monitors time, distance, calories burned, speed and heart rate if the pulse sensors on the handlebars are being gripped by both hands, the numbers can easily be seen as you exercise.
It is well regarded by users liking that it folds down, is quiet and stable. They can ride it when they want to achieve their fitness goals without disturbing others.
You can read my complete review here
The Differences – Getting Down To The Important Facts
As I mentioned in the introduction there is much that is very similar, so to be more concise I’m just going to discuss the differences as these are likely to be what is going to be important in deciding between the two.
User Weight. The Exerpuetic 500 XLS can accommodate users up to another 100 lbs more with a maximum user weight of 400 lbs,
Height Range. The Exerpuetic 500 XLS caters for a wider range of users – at the taller end it allows for 4 more inches at 6 ft 5 ins and the shorter end it allows for 2 more inches at 5 ft 1 ins.
Bike Weight. TheExerpeutic 500 XLS has 20% more steel than the Exerpeutic 250 XL and is 12 lbs heavier at 51.6 lbs. This allows it to be suitable for heavier users (shorter and taller too) and should result in a more durable bike overall, although the Exerpeutic 250 XL has been durable.
Dimensions. The Exerpeutic 250 XL needs a smaller area for use and storage, although both are compact. When stored its area needed is 19 by 19 ins whereas the Exerpeutic 500 XLS needs 24.8 ins by 26.4 ins.
What About Price
The prices do fluctuate but when I checked the Exerpeutic 500 XLS was more expensive.
Which Is The Right One For You?
As both bikes are similar as regards to being durable and solid (from actual customers) offering the same type of low impact exercise for people wanting to get/stay in shape, lose weight and/or generally be more active with your current weight below 300 lbs and you are between 5 ft 3 ins and 6 ft 1 in then the Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Bike makes for a good deal.
If you are over 400 lbs or outside those height ranges then Exerpeutic 500 XLS is a more suitable choice.
Side By Side Comparison
In the table below are the features and dimensions of the bike line up against each other to see how they compare with each other.
| Feature | 250 XL | 500 XLS |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance Type | Magnetic | Magnetic |
| Pedals | Straps | Straps |
| Weighted Flywheel | No | No |
| Bike Weight | 39 lbs | 51.6 lbs |
| Max User Weight | 300 lbs | 400 lbs |
| Min User Height | 5 ft 3 ins | 5 ft 1 ins |
| Max User Height | 6 ft 1 ins | 6 ft 5 ins |
| Handlebars Adjustability | None | None |
| Seat Adjustability | Vertical | Vertical |
| Use Dimensions | Height 46 ins Width 19 ins Length 31 ins | Height 48.4 ins Width 26.4 ins Length 39 ins |
| Folded Dimensions | Height 46 ins Width 19 ins Length 19 ins | Height 57.5 ins Width 24.8 ins Length 26.4 ins |
| Drive Type | Belt | Belt |
| Accessories | Remote Holder | Remote Holder |
| Console | Yes | Yes |
| Heart Rate | Yes | Yes |
| Frame Construction | Steel | Steel |
| Gear | Fixed | Fixed |
| Transport Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Quiet | Yes | Yes |
I hope this comparison has helped you get a clearer picture on how these two bikes compare with each other and you have been able to work out which one is the one that meets your needs. Please let me know what you think about the bikes.
That was very helpful to me as I am 5ft 2in so straightaway I could see the 500 was no good for me. Thank you.
Great to hear from you and the post helped. I think you may mean the Exerpeutic 250 XL is no good for you as that only adjusts to fit people 5 ft 3 ins whereas the 500 XLS adjusts for users 5 ft 1 ins tall.
I definitely need to invest in a exercise bike for the house and I cannot for the life of me decide which one to go with. Your review has been immensely helpful to me.
Thanks – this is great to hear. Please let me know if I can help further.
Would you know if there is a difference distance from seat to pedal between the two? Some complain that the pedals are hard to reach on the 250XL. At 5’5″, I’m hoping my medium height will allow me to reach the pedals comfortably. Also, are the seats the same? While I’m eager to get a good workout, if I’m uncomfortable doing it, that will dissuade me from using the bike. I’d hate for it to become a piece of furniture.
At 5’5″ you shouldn’t have an issue with reaching the pedals on either bike. They both have oversized seats with some padding. The Exerpeutic 500 XLS seat is considered the more comfortable than the 250 XLS but it is not a universal finding with it getting mixed reviews. You may find you need to try an oversized gel seat cover to get the comfort you want.
I’ve been reading a lot of reviews and finally came down to an exerpeutic but than ran into the question of which model since I am 5.4 and wanted comfort without the need for stretching. Your review/comparison was timely and on target. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you. I’m glad you found it useful.
Thank you! Just what i needed to know.
You’re welcome. Great to hear it helped.
I’m interested in the Exerpeutic 250 XL. However, I’m 5’2″, does this mean this model is not the better choice for me? Would I have a problem reaching the pedals? Does that (1) inch make a difference?
It is recommended by the manufacturer for people between the heights of 5’3″ and 6’1″. It is likely you’ll be stretching as you pedal and find it uncomfortable and could result in straining yourself. However, if your legs are longer than average you may be fine. The safer bet would be the Exerpeutic 500 XLS.